Our budget is $110k, where is the best area? (Houston: HOA, crime) - Texas (TX) - Page 5 - City-Data Forum

nakalamicnews · 02-29-2012, 04:40 PM

Just came across this post... Are Katy and Cypress known for drug arrests / gangs? Is there a website that tracks crime? How do I get a map/outline of the 'wards' ??

David Dollar · 02-29-2012, 05:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Spade

It most defintely goes both ways. Oh no, stay away from the Wards or any inner city areas and choose anyplace usa suburbs. It's also especially entertaining when people believe that their suburbs are in any way similar to nice thriving inner cities areas.

I could not agree with you more here.

jtao · 02-29-2012, 08:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by extremeturro

It also depends on your comfort level as well. The neighborhood is very safe. The only issues so far are random home break ins but a good security system will counter act that. It is 50% hispanic and 50% everything else (white, asian, and some african americans). If you don't feel comfortable around minorities then you should definitely look at moving further into the suburbs.

I am actually looking forward to moving somewhere with a good mix. I grew up in an area without minorities, while my husband was the minority. I think something in the middle would be perfect for us.

Home security system is a definite for us, no problem there.

Thanks for your tips, this sounds like a good location for us. I saw some of the houses listed on HAR and we will keep this area on our list.

jtao · 02-29-2012, 08:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by City Love

To the OP: If you are getting disappointed with the areas you are looking at, then you might want to ask yourself what you honestly expect for $110k. There are many decent areas in that price range, but is the reality, what you actually want? Or do you need to adjust your expectations?

That is a very good question! I want an area where all the houses do not have/need bars on the windows and doors, 30 minutes or less from downtown, sidewalks so I can walk without getting ran over, and a little bit of a yard. Also, I want to feel ok about going grocery shopping at night. A playground would be nice, a few kids in the area. Old homes, or homes that need a little bit of work we are fine with. We have 4 years before we need to start worrying about the schools, but if we like the area enough we would consider private schools. Of course good schools are on our dream list.

Is that a realistic for a house around 110k, 30 minutes from downtown? If I need a reality check, please let me know

David Dollar · 02-29-2012, 08:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jtao

That is a very good question! I want an area where all the houses do not have/need bars on the windows and doors, 30 minutes or less from downtown, sidewalks so I can walk without getting ran over, and a little bit of a yard. Also, I want to feel ok about going grocery shopping at night. A playground would be nice, a few kids in the area. Old homes, or homes that need a little bit of work we are fine with. We have 4 years before we need to start worrying about the schools, but if we like the area enough we would consider private schools. Of course good schools are on our dream list.

Is that a realistic for a house around 110k, 30 minutes from downtown? If I need a reality check, please let me know

Very, very realistic. Some people want you to believe that only places worth living in are the boring, white suburbs an hour from downtown. It really does depend on what you want. Look at some places in Eastwood. I don't know the prices though.

jaydes · 02-29-2012, 08:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ngmcd

Personally i'm more entertained with the inner city mouthpieces who get butthurt when people point out the fact that they live in complete dumps. Especially amusing is when they paint some fantasyland that their ghettos are in any way similar to any number of nice, thriving suburbs.

LOL. I love those nice thriving suburbs. Wish i could live in one. I can only dream. Guess i'll just stay in my fanstasyland ghetto.LOL!!

jtothemak · 02-29-2012, 08:52 PM

Here is the thing that everyone is leaving out as they bicker about inner city vs suburbs. In most major cities the cost of living goes up as you get closer to a city center. It is why a mini mansion in some of the of the nicer areas in town go for 600k and up. Now go out to some of the nicer areas of the suburbs and get the same thing for 400k and up or even 300k.

I wish I could help the OP but I do not know Houston good enough for that budget. I will say it will be a challenge but do your homework, got to har.com and pull up houses in you like online and start driving around. As far a realtor, a good one will help you but that is hard as they are not making a lot of commission on you.